BREMERTON — Harrison Medical Center Board Chair, Jim Civilla, announced June 26 that Joe Kortum has been appointed interim president of Harrison Medical Center, part of Franciscan Health System.

Kortum brings more than 30 years of healthcare leadership to this role, most recently as president and CEO for the Columbia Network of PeaceHealth. During his tenure, he led Southwest Medical Center through affiliation with PeaceHealth and oversaw adoption of new healthcare technologies. He also led health care organizations in Arizona, California and Oregon.

“We believe that Joe’s many years of hospital leadership experience will benefit Harrison while we seek a permanent president for the organization,” said Jim Civilla.  “Joe is successful in building both staff and physician partnerships in ways that build value and improve the patient experience.”

Kortum will arrive July 7, and officially assumes the role of interim president on Aug. 1, following the retirement of current president and CEO, Scott Bosch, who has led the organization for nearly a decade.

Kortum will remain in place during the nationwide search for a new President of Harrison Medical Center.

The search began in late May, following the retirement announcement of Bosch.  It is anticipated his successor will be named by this fall or early winter.

“Joe was selected for this interim role based on his skill and ability to provide steady leadership during a time of tremendous change for Harrison,” said Joe Wilczek, Franciscan’s chief executive officer. “In addition to helping us respond to changes in health care policy on a national and regional level, he will ensure stability as we  implement a state-of-the-art electronic medical record system in Harrison’s hospitals and clinics and seek new ways to work together to improve the health of residents of Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson, and Clallam counties.”